Industrial distributors looking for more functionality out of their QuickBooks accounting programs can upgrade to Fishbowl Inventory. Inventory management, demand planning, and point of sale capability included in this solution.

Industrial distributors looking for more functionality out of their QuickBooks accounting programs can upgrade to Fishbowl Inventory. Inventory management, demand planning, and point of sale capability included in this solution.

NetSuite is a Software-as-a-Service application suited for the needs of distributors of industrial materials. This integrated ERP, e-commerce and fulfillment suite is ideal for distributors looking for a web-based application.

NetSuite is a Software-as-a-Service application suited for the needs of distributors of industrial materials. This integrated ERP, e-commerce and fulfillment suite is ideal for distributors looking for a web-based application.

Systum is a cloud-based distribution management solution for small to midsize businesses. Key features include marketing, customer relationship management, sales automation, e-commerce, inventory management and quoting and billing.
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Systum is a cloud-based distribution management solution for small to midsize businesses. Key features include marketing, customer relationship management, sales automation, e-commerce, inventory management and quoting and billing.
Systum...
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Agiliron cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) solution is designed to serve both in-store and mobile businesses as well as online sales channels. The system offers a host of features that work in tandem with the point-of-sale solution,...
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Agiliron cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) solution is designed to serve both in-store and mobile businesses as well as online sales channels. The system offers a host of features that work in tandem with the point-of-sale solution,...
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Logiwa WMS is a cloud-based warehouse management and order fulfillment solution built on a .NET framework. The solution supports disparate warehousing processes, separate product groups and the needs of different sectors within a single...
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Logiwa WMS is a cloud-based warehouse management and order fulfillment solution built on a .NET framework. The solution supports disparate warehousing processes, separate product groups and the needs of different sectors within a single...
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NebuCore is a cloud-based distribution management solution for small to midsize e-commerce businesses. Key features include inventory management, order management, quotes, purchasing, customer relationship management (CRM), point of...
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NebuCore is a cloud-based distribution management solution for small to midsize e-commerce businesses. Key features include inventory management, order management, quotes, purchasing, customer relationship management (CRM), point of...
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CentralBOS is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that caters to small and midsize businesses across various industry verticals and helps them to integrate their data and processes across locations and departments.
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CentralBOS is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that caters to small and midsize businesses across various industry verticals and helps them to integrate their data and processes across locations and departments.
CentralBOS...
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K9ERP is a cloud-based business management system that offers financials, inventory, distribution, accounting, document management, service contracts, CRM, POS and more.
K9ERP provides businesses with a complete suite of financial...
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K9ERP is a cloud-based business management system that offers financials, inventory, distribution, accounting, document management, service contracts, CRM, POS and more.
K9ERP provides businesses with a complete suite of financial...
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Infor Distribution powers more than 5,700 users each day and their software is used to move over $100 billion through supply chains in North America. The package includes inventory management, TMS, WMS and more.

Infor Distribution powers more than 5,700 users each day and their software is used to move over $100 billion through supply chains in North America. The package includes inventory management, TMS, WMS and more.

WinWeb is a distribution enterprise resource planning (ERP) suite for small and midsize businesses in industries such as retail, wholesale, manufacturing, franchising and health care. Cloud-based and on-premise deployments are available.
The...
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WinWeb is a distribution enterprise resource planning (ERP) suite for small and midsize businesses in industries such as retail, wholesale, manufacturing, franchising and health care. Cloud-based and on-premise deployments are available.
The...
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Acumatica is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that offers a platform designed for midsize customers with a complete, real-time view across the business.
The Acumatica suite of integrated business management...
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Acumatica is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that offers a platform designed for midsize customers with a complete, real-time view across the business.
The Acumatica suite of integrated business management...
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Royal4 is internationally recognized as one of the leaders in the distribution software market. This integrated suite offers flexible deployment options giving buyers the choice to install software on-site or host it in the cloud.

Royal4 is internationally recognized as one of the leaders in the distribution software market. This integrated suite offers flexible deployment options giving buyers the choice to install software on-site or host it in the cloud.

True ERP is an operations management suite available in both cloud-based and on-premise formats which caters to SMB enterprises like wholesalers, construction firms and retailers, along with others.
True ERP contains several different...
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True ERP is an operations management suite available in both cloud-based and on-premise formats which caters to SMB enterprises like wholesalers, construction firms and retailers, along with others.
True ERP contains several different...
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Blue Link ERP serves small to midsized industrial distribution operations. The system offers features for product aggregation, industrial product item codes as well as a point of sale system for walk-in buyers.

Blue Link ERP serves small to midsized industrial distribution operations. The system offers features for product aggregation, industrial product item codes as well as a point of sale system for walk-in buyers.

Aquilon Software offers a combined supply chain, manufacturing, distribution, and financial management system that is deployable either on the cloud or on-premise. All modules integrate with each other, allowing users to gain full...
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Aquilon Software offers a combined supply chain, manufacturing, distribution, and financial management system that is deployable either on the cloud or on-premise. All modules integrate with each other, allowing users to gain full...
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Decision Builder ERP is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that serves companies in the manufacturing, distribution and service fields throughout the North American continent.
Decision Builder is an integrated system...
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Decision Builder ERP is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that serves companies in the manufacturing, distribution and service fields throughout the North American continent.
Decision Builder is an integrated system...
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Buyer's Guide

Industrial distributors deal with a diverse set of industrial products, ranging from valve fittings and piping to pumps and motors. This diversity creates order management, inventory tracking and transportation management challenges that must be tightly controlled to remain competitive. The right industrial distribution system will include strong inventory management and warehouse management capabilities to keep a distributor up to date on how much of each product is in stock and where the item is located in the warehouse. The system will also include e-commerce, order management and invoicing features that allow distributors to handle sales orders, and procurement/vendor management features for purchase orders.

What Is Industrial Distribution Software?

Perhaps the most important thing to note about industrial distribution software is that this is not the name of a single software category, but rather a diverse group of software types used in different operational contexts by industrial distributors. These software types fall into the broad territory of supply chain management/ERP, including:

Together, these applications can handle nearly all of the back-office needs of an industrial distributor. That said, not all distributors will need every one of these applications. Those that do have two options:

Buy applications on a standalone basis, and integrate as needed

Buy a distribution ERP suite in which applications are already integrated out-of-the-box.

Distributors have specialized needs, and occasionally even a distribution ERP won’t offer all the features you need. If this is the case, consider investing in an ERP system along with one or two standalone systems (say, for warehouse management) and then integrating your standalone solutions with your ERP.

Not all ERP systems are right for distributors. Many are intended for manufacturers and/or retailers, and these systems will be overkill (not to mention too expensive) for many distribution contexts. Distribution ERPs are more lightweight and offer flexible capabilities in the areas distributors need, which we’ll look at now.

Common Features of Industrial Distribution Software

We’ve seen that industrial distribution software is a rather loosely defined category, including most of the applications generally grouped under the heading of supply chain management software.

With that being said, there are three areas of supply chain management where “one-size-fits-all” solutions tend to fall short for distributors:

Order management

Inventory tracking

Warehouse management

Distributors need to place purchase orders and receive sales orders, so the solution needs strong order management functionality.

Additionally, the order management system should integrate with the warehouse management system in order to bill for value-added services performed in the warehouse/distribution center, such as kitting, repackaging and light assembly. The warehouse management system itself also needs to be able to track these activities.

Indeed, distributors and logistics companies tend to describe the WMS module as the “weak link” in their ERP solutions. Finding a standalone WMS that fits with your portfolio of services as well as your inventory tracking requirements is the best workaround for this problem, as standalone WMS systems still outstrip modules in ERP systems in the range of functionality they offer.

Moreover, the top industrial distribution systems include the following industry-specific capabilities:

Nested lot codes/serial numbers

Since many industrial distributors get involved in value-added services, such as light manufacturing, assembly, rentals and kitting, industrial distribution software allows for the tracking of nested lot numbers and serial numbers when component parts are combined in a kit or package.

Industrial product item codes

Since industrial products can vary tremendously, the software supports pricing and tracking of a broad range of products. Examples include building materials, adhesives, heavy equipment, electrical supplies, plumbing/HVAC, janitorial/sanitation and medical. Generally, multiple product codes can be associated with a single product.

Bill of materials

A bill of materials (BOM) is a list of the materials used in a product, including parts used in its sub-assemblies, sub-components etc. BOMs can have multiple levels, so they present specific costing and inventory tracking challenges for distributors.

Point-of-sale system

Many industrial wholesalers take walk-up orders from contractors filling an order on their way to a job site. In this instance, your industrial distribution solution will need retail capabilities such as an integrated point of sale system as well as wholesale capabilities.

Vendor managed inventory/consignment inventory

If you’re monitoring your customers’ inventory levels as a service, or if you’re selling stock on consignment, you’ll need special inventory tracking and order management features.

Additionally, as part of a complete enterprise resource planning (ERP) system most programs will include accounting and business intelligence tools. Some also include customer relationship management features and HR functionality such as payroll.

Evaluating Industrial Distribution Software

The specific type of industrial products sold, sources of revenue and additional services will all play a major part in the evaluation of an industrial distribution software product. A company specializing in medical devices will want a system that supports that industry, while a company that serves multiple industries with service offerings and walk-in orders will need something much more all-encompassing and robust.

When selecting industrial distribution software, buyers should consider the following:

Do you require client/server deployment, also known as on-premise deployment, or are you looking for a Web-based, or cloud, solution?

How many warehouses do you operate? Will you need to implement the software in more than one location?

Do you need fron-counter capabilities to serve walk-in contractors filling orders on their way to the job site?

Do you offer value-added services such as light manufacturing or kitting? If so, can the software support a bill of materials?

Do you use QuickBooks, and if so, do you plan on keeping it? There are a number of inventory management solutions that integrate out-of-the-box with QuickBooks, so make sure to evaluate vendors like Fishbowl that have made a name for themselves with easy integrations.

Is part of your business e-commerce? If so, your order management system will need to integrate with your online shopping baskets.

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